Emergency fodder is on the way for primary producers impacted by devastating bushfires, with Rural Aid and the State Government partnering-up to ensure fodder gets to the places it is needed most.
The State Government has contracted Rural Aid to deliver five road trains of hay to farmers in the South and North Burnett and Carnarvon Gorge regions and Rural Aid CEO John Warlters said the bushfire-affected farmers were welcoming the fodder.
“We’re pleased we could support the Queensland Government’s request for high-quality, emergency hay for the hardest hit primary producers in the worst-impacted regions,” said the CEO.
“The intense fires have wiped out any remaining grass on these properties, leaving livestock hungry without easy access to pasture.
Multiple properties have been damaged and thousands of cattle are considered at significant risk of animal welfare issues in these regions.
The Bushfire Fodder Taskforce was established by the State Government to deal with this emergency and the five road trains of Hay arrived in the affected regions over the weekend.
Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries and Minister for Rural Communities Mark Furner said state government is putting farmers first.
“The Palaszczuk Government is moving quickly to ensure primary producers have what they need when they need it, including fodder,” he said.
“Producers who have been affected by the bushfires are strongly encouraged to fill out a Disaster Impact Survey so their need can be properly assessed and prioritised.
“So far, we have had more than 60 businesses complete the survey, and the number continues to grow.
“I understand that while other areas, such as Tara on the Western Downs and Miriam Vale near Gladstone, have been heavily affected by the bushfires, Local Disaster Management Group feedback is that those areas have enough fodder supplies for the time being.
“And I want to assure producers that extra road trains will be sought as required.”
Mr Warlters said they expect to be inundated with requests for hay on top of what is being contracted by the government.
“We’ve received more than $1million worth of hay requests from our registered farmers in the past month alone,” he said.
Primary producers should register their losses and request assistance via the DAF’s Disaster Impact Survey at www.daf.qld.gov.au.
As well farmers needing fodder, financial and well-being assistance are encouraged to reach out to Rural Aid at www.ruralaid.org.au.
